At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical project delivery at Heathrow Airport, managing teams and ensuring quality standards.
- Company: Join Designer Group, a top international engineering contractor with exciting projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, health cover, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with a solid project pipeline and growth potential.
- Why this job: Work on high-profile aviation projects and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in mechanical project management with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Designer Group is seeking an experienced Mechanical Project Manager to support the delivery of mechanical building services works at Heathrow Airport, Terminal 5. This is a site-based delivery role suited to someone with strong mechanical project management experience in M&E contracting, aviation, infrastructure, industrial, pharmaceutical, mission critical or large-scale commercial environments.
You will take ownership of mechanical project delivery within a live airport environment, working closely with site management, engineering, commercial, procurement, quality, safety, subcontractors and client-side stakeholders. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving the mechanical scope from planning and procurement through installation, testing, commissioning and handover.
You will manage project teams, oversee subcontractor performance, track progress against programme, resolve technical and commercial issues, and ensure works are delivered safely, efficiently and to the required technical standard. Experience working in live, operational, security-controlled environments would be highly advantageous. Previous airport, terminal or airside experience would be a strong advantage.
What you will do
- Lead the delivery of mechanical works at Heathrow Airport, Terminal 5.
- Manage supervisors, engineers, subcontractors and specialist suppliers.
- Oversee mechanical building services packages including HVAC, pipework, public health, ventilation, plantroom works, mechanical containment, drainage and associated systems.
- Drive programme delivery and ensure key milestones are achieved.
- Identify project risks early and work with the wider team to resolve them.
- Work closely with the Project QS to manage cost control, variations, reporting and commercial performance.
- Support procurement planning, RFIs, technical submittals, material approvals and subcontractor coordination.
- Review drawings, specifications and design information to resolve buildability, coordination and installation issues.
- Coordinate mechanical works with electrical, controls, fire, architectural, structural and specialist trade packages.
- Chair and attend project meetings with internal teams, subcontractors, consultants and client representatives.
- Monitor labour, materials, plant and resources to support efficient project delivery.
- Ensure mechanical works are completed in line with quality standards, commissioning requirements and handover expectations.
- Support testing, commissioning, system validation, documentation and client handover.
- Maintain strong relationships with the client, delivery teams, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.
- Promote and uphold Designer Group’s health, safety, quality and environmental standards at all times.
- Ensure all work is delivered in line with site rules, airport protocols, access requirements and live environment constraints.
What we are looking for
- 5+ years’ experience in mechanical project management.
- Background working with an M&E contractor, mechanical contractor, principal contractor or major subcontractor.
- Proven experience delivering mechanical projects from construction through commissioning and handover.
- Strong understanding of mechanical building services, site installation, technical coordination and project delivery.
- Experience managing subcontractors, supervisors, engineers and site-based project teams.
- Ability to manage programme, procurement, RFIs, technical submittals, progress reporting and project risks.
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to work closely with quantity surveying and commercial teams.
- Good knowledge of health and safety requirements in a live construction or operational environment.
- Strong communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, delivery-led site environment.
- High attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem solving.
- Right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship.
Experience that would be advantageous
- Previous experience working at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City Airport or another live airport environment.
- Experience working in Terminal 5 or another live terminal environment.
- Airside, landside, aviation, rail, transport, infrastructure or secure-site project experience.
- Experience delivering mechanical packages within airport terminals, baggage areas, plantrooms, logistics facilities, commercial buildings or critical infrastructure.
- Experience with HVAC, ventilation, chilled water, heating, domestic water services, drainage, public health, plant replacement, pipework and mechanical systems.
- Experience working in live operational environments with strict access, safety, security, quality and programme controls.
- Experience with testing, commissioning, handover and system completion processes.
- Experience using BIM, coordinated services drawings, technical submittals and design review processes.
- Mechanical trade background, building services engineering qualification or construction management qualification.
- Experience working with permits, access controls, shift working, live services, shutdown planning and stakeholder-heavy delivery environments.
About you
You will be a confident Mechanical Project Manager who enjoys taking ownership of site delivery. You will be practical, organised and commercially aware, with the ability to lead teams, manage subcontractors and keep projects moving. You will be comfortable working in a controlled, live environment where safety, coordination, communication and planning are critical. You will also be able to build strong working relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and internal teams.
Why join Designer Group?
Designer Group is a leading international mechanical and electrical engineering contractor delivering high-quality projects across Ireland, the UK and Europe. We work with major clients across sectors including aviation, data centres, commercial, industrial, pharmaceutical, life sciences and infrastructure. This role offers the opportunity to work on a high-profile aviation project at Heathrow Terminal 5, while joining a business with strong growth, a solid project pipeline and clear opportunities for career progression.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Performance-related bonus.
- Health cover.
- Employer pension contribution.
- Commercial vehicle or car allowance, depending on role requirements.
- Career development and progression opportunities.
- Continuous professional development and training support.
- Supportive team environment.
- Opportunity to work on major projects across the UK, Ireland and Europe.
- Access to a growing international business with a strong pipeline of work.
Apply now
If you are an experienced Mechanical Project Manager looking for your next challenge in a live aviation environment, we would like to hear from you. Apply today to join Designer Group and help deliver high-quality mechanical projects at Heathrow Terminal 5.
Designer Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity.
Mechanical Project Manager - Heathrow Airport employer: Designer Group
Designer Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at Heathrow Airport, Terminal 5, where you can lead high-profile mechanical projects in a fast-paced, live aviation setting. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive salaries, and a supportive team culture, we provide continuous professional development opportunities and a clear pathway for career progression, making it an ideal place for ambitious professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Project Manager - Heathrow Airport
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Designer Group.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Designer Group love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Designer Group and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Project Manager - Heathrow Airport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Designer Group and the Mechanical Project Manager - Heathrow Airport role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Designer Group
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Designer Group.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Designer Group.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Designer Group, making you a more appealing candidate.
